Richard Nixon (from CA) and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (from MA) ran as the Republican presidential ticket for the 1960 presidential election against John F. Kennedy. This was Nixon’s first attempt at the presidency after serving as Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 22nd Amendment had been passed, making Eisenhower ineligible to run for a third term in office. Also, this election was the first time residents of Hawaii and Alaska were allowed to vote being both states became an official part of the United States in 1959. The 1960 election was also televised for the first time and the American people could judge a candidate for not only what they had to say but also for how they appeared. Nixon was said to have looked sickly compared to the youthful Kennedy, but those listening to the debate favored Nixon for his speaking abilities.

Nixon and Lodge lost the election in the closets race since 1969. The Republican's secured 219 of the electoral college, carried 26 states, and 49.55% of the vote. Kennedy secured .17% of the vote (112,827 actual votes) and became the next President of the United States. Nixon was the first presidential candidate to win a majority of states but still lose the election. Nixon returned to his role as vice president after the defeat and returned to California to practice law after his term ended.